More than 450 Technology Division analysts spent seven weeks brainstorming and designing systems, applications and software that can become part of the firm’s technology ecosystem at the third annual Gray Wolf program. The program aims to onboard first-year analysts quickly by introducing them to different areas of the firm and presenting them with business technology issues to solve.

Representing business units across the firm, the analysts were divided into “innovation pods” that spanned Goldman Sachs offices around the globe. They focused on regulatory requirements, risk management, data quality, platform adoption, and productivity and efficiency, among other areas.

“The level of delivery on these projects has been impressive, showing how much we can achieve with a focus on solving well-defined issues within a specific duration,” said Miruna, a managing director within Technology Infrastructure at Goldman Sachs. “This is a great learning experience for our analysts and a great way of starting their career by pushing something to production within their first weeks at the firm.”

The pods worked directly with business teams to define projects with clear outcomes that can be achieved within the seven-week duration of the program. “The common theme with Gray Wolf is the adoption of technology platforms and the excitement that, in just seven weeks, they can change the business and generate positive outcomes,” said Alexis, a managing director within the Automation and Analytics Technology Group.

All projects are designed to move to production within just a few months, offering analysts insight into the full lifecycle of creating and leveraging software at the firm, as well as interacting with internal stakeholders to deliver products and services supporting business needs.

“In addition to learning new technologies and playing a part in transforming software at the firm, we were able to meet new colleagues along the way and develop our networks,” said Simon, an analyst in Merchant Banking Division Technology.

Upon conclusion of the program, the analysts participated in a series of expos around the globe. Each group showcased its project and had the opportunity to network with colleagues and senior leaders across the Technology Division. Analysts also received support from prior years’ program participants, who served as “pod buddies” to offer guidance and support throughout the program.